How To Take Care Of Fountain Pens

Only by taking good care of the fountain pens can they remain in good condition over time.

The fountain pen is not only an exquisite writing tool, but also a collection that deserves good care. Whether it is a high-end fountain pen with gold nibs or an ordinary fountain pen, correct use and maintenance habits can effectively extend their service life, always providing a  smooth and comfortable writing experience. The following is professional advice on fountain pen maintenance, hoping to help you protect your favorite pens!

Ink selection: Good ink makes writing smoother

Choosing right ink can not only improve the writing experience, but also prevent the nibs of fountain pens from being blocked or damaged.

1. Avoid using carbon ink: Carbon ink deposits easily, which may cause a blocked pen nib and affect the smoothness of ink discharge.

2. Choose ink with moderate acidity and alkalinity: Acidic ink may corrode the metal pen nib, so it is recommended to use neutral or slightly alkaline ink.

3. Ink from same brand: Use ink from same brand can avoid components incompatibility between inks from different brands. Combination of inks from different brands may result in sediment accumulation, affecting the performance of the fountain pen.

Daily Usage: Details Need Attention

1. Use pens frequently to keep the ink flowing

The ink in a fountain pen that has not been used for a long time may gradually dry up, resulting in poor ink flow or even blockage. Just like a sharp knife will rust if it is not used for a long time, a fountain pen also needs to be written regularly to keep it in the best condition.

2. Clean and dry the pens before long-term storage

If the fountain pen needs to be stored for a long time, it is recommended to empty the ink inside first and thoroughly clean the ink sac or ink gallbladder with clean water to ensure that there is no ink residue inside. Place it in a dry and ventilated place to dry before store it.

3. Clean regularly to avoid ink precipitation

Frequently used fountain pens: It is recommended to clean a often used fountain pen every 3-6 months to prevent ink precipitation from clogging the ink supply system.
Cleaning method: Rinse the nib and ink pipeline with clean water (or special fountain pen cleaning fluid), wipe the nib and pen barrel with a soft cloth after cleaning, and make sure it is completely dry before use.

4. Avoid chemicals and oils

If your pen grip is made of metal, it is recommended to keep your hands clean when using it, and avoid oil, cosmetics or other chemicals adhering to the pen barrel, otherwise it may cause metal corrosion or coating damage.

5. Avoid excessive pressure when writing

The nib of a fountain pen is relatively soft and suitable for gentle writing. It is not advisable to press hard, otherwise it may cause the nib to deform or even break. Avoid writing on hard surfaces such as single paper, metal or glass to avoid damaging the nib.

6. Cover the pen cap in time after uasage

After each writing, the pen cap should be covered in time to prevent the ink from evaporating in the air, causing the nib to dry and difficult to write again. In addition, try to avoid bumping when storing the pen to avoid damaging the pen body or nib.

7. Carefully held in a pen holder

A fountain pen case is needed for carry out, as it can prevent pens from shocking or scratching. If you are a pen collector who have many luxury pens, they can be organized in a large pen holder system like our wooden pen holders. 

A well-maintained pen will not only accompany you for many years, but also bring a consistent and smooth writing experience. Whether it is for daily use or long-term storage, good use habits can keep your pens always in the best condition. If you happen to own a beautiful fountain pen, you might as well try the above maintenance methods to keep your beloved pen new, writing more fantastic stories!